Government bodies backing Indian startups

The Ministry of MSME is a central government ministry, operating various schemes to support micro and small enterprises throughout India. Its official website is https://msme.gov.in/. This government body offers different forms of assistance, including subsidised loans, margin money, and incubation support. These initiatives are designed to aid businesses across the country. Among the schemes managed by the Ministry are PMEGP and ASPIRE, which are part of its broader efforts to empower the MSME sector.

Kerala Startup Mission is a government entity dedicated to fostering the startup ecosystem within Kerala. It serves as the primary organisation for promoting new ventures and innovation across the state. The mission operates various support initiatives, including incubators and grants, to assist emerging businesses. It also manages LEAP Coworks facilities located throughout Kerala. Startups can access funding and support through programs such as: - Seed Fund Scheme - Kerala Startup Mission, which offers debt funding up to ₹15L. - WE START Pre-Incubation Program at Kerala Startup Mission, providing grant funding with varying amounts.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is a central government ministry in India. It operates through its dedicated platform, the MeitY Startup Hub, which can be accessed at https://msh.meity.gov.in/. MeitY focuses on fostering the growth of Indian technology startups. Through its various initiatives, it aims to support more than 3,600 tech startups, with funding commitments exceeding ₹212 crore. The ministry manages several key programs and schemes that provide funding and support. These include: - SAMRIDH - TIDE 2.0 - GENESIS - NGIS - The Zero Equity Incubation Program, which offers grant funding.

The Defence Innovation Organisation is a government entity operating under the Ministry of Defence. It is dedicated to promoting innovation among Indian startups within the defence and aerospace domains. This organisation manages iDEX, recognised as India's leading initiative for fostering startup innovation in these critical sectors. It provides grant funding to support emerging businesses. Startups can access various programs designed to address specific challenges. Key programs offered by the Defence Innovation Organisation include: - iDEX Open Challenge by DIO, providing grants up to ₹1.5 crore. - Defence India Startup Challenge 14 (DISC 14), with grants available up to ₹1.5 crore. - ADITI 4.0 Challenge Grant Program - iDEX, offering grants up to ₹25 crore. - iDEX DISC 12 (Re-Open) – IAF, which provides grants up to ₹1.5 crore. - iDEX Prime Re Open, offering grants up to ₹10 crore.

Nodal agency (Start-up Promotion Cell) under the Department of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, implementing the Goa Start-up Policy 2017.

BIRAC is a government interface agency that supports innovation in the biotechnology sector. It operates as a key entity for fostering advancements in this field. This organisation provides various forms of financial assistance to Indian startups. Its support mechanisms include grants, equity support, and dedicated incubation programs. BIRAC runs specific funding initiatives for biotech ventures. These include: - The BIRAC GCI — Screening & Diagnosis Innovations Open Call, which offers grant funding up to ₹2 crore. - The BIRAC–RDI Fund – Research, Development & Innovation Fund, providing grants ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹200 crore.

The Department of MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh is a government body responsible for administering the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy. This department offers various forms of assistance to startups within the state. Its support mechanisms include financial aid, patent assistance, incubation grants, and lease rental subsidies. These initiatives are designed to benefit over 5,000 registered startups. The department operates specific programs under the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy 2022. These include: - Sustenance Allowance for Startups: Providing grants up to ₹1.2 lakh. - Lease Rental Assistance: Offering subsidies up to ₹5,000.

Central government department promoting S&T innovation and startup ecosystem via NIDHI programs

The Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana is a government body in Haryana. It serves as the nodal department for the Startup Haryana initiative, overseeing its operations and objectives. This department is dedicated to supporting startups within the state. It provides assistance through various policy incentives designed to foster a conducive environment for new businesses. Furthermore, the department offers seed funding to eligible startups to help them grow. Its official website is https://startupharyana.gov.in.

KBITS, Government of Karnataka, operates as a government body focused on facilitating information technology and biotechnology within the state. It hosts the Startup Cell and manages the overall startup ecosystem across Karnataka. This organisation offers funding support to Indian startups through specific programs. One key initiative is the ELEVATE NXT 2026 Deeptech Grant-in-Aid Program, which provides grant funding of up to ₹1Cr.

Central government ministry running RKVY-RAFTAAR to support agri-startups with grants up to INR 25 lakh, incubation through 24 R-ABIs, and agripreneurship training.

Central ministry supporting NE region entrepreneurship through the North East Venture Fund, UNNATI industrialisation scheme, and ASCEND startup workshops.

India's apex ministry for fiscal, taxation and financial-sector policy, New Delhi.

Premier government body under MeitY with 63 centres across India, operating the Next Generation Incubation Scheme and 24 Centres of Entrepreneurship for IT and emerging-tech startups.

StartupTN is a government initiative that functions as Tamil Nadu's dedicated startup mission. It provides support to emerging businesses through various programs. The mission offers funding in the form of grants, alongside sector-specific accelerator programs and incubation support at the district level. StartupTN currently runs several programs, including: - TANSEED 8.0 by StartupTN: This program offers grants ranging from ₹10L to ₹15L. - V-FUND 6.0 – Women 2026 Accelerator Program: Through this initiative, grants of up to ₹2L are provided.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is a central government body in India. It oversees the Startup India initiative, which supports the nation's startup ecosystem. The DPIIT has recognized over 1,97,000 startups across India. This government department provides grant funding to Indian startups. It supports various programs designed to foster innovation and growth. Key programs offered by DPIIT include: - The Green Energy & Climate Action Challenge under Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, which provides grants of up to ₹5 lakh. - The BluePrint Startup Funding & Incubation Program, offering grants where the amount varies.

The Department of IT and E-Governance, Government of Jharkhand is a government entity. It is tasked with overseeing the Startup Jharkhand initiative and managing the state's digital innovation objectives. The department offers various funding programs designed to support startups in Jharkhand. These include: - Jharkhand Startup Policy: Utility Bills Reimbursement: A subsidy providing up to ₹60,000. - Jharkhand Startup Policy: Marketing Assistance Grant: A grant offering up to ₹10,00,000. - Jharkhand Startup Policy: Sustenance Allowance: A grant with amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1,80,000.

Ministry of MSME initiative, implemented by NSIC, supporting SC/ST-owned Micro & Small Enterprises.

T-Hub is a Government provider that offers funding and support to Indian startups. Further details are available on their website, t-hub.co. They run several programs for startups: - Avinya Ventures Pitch Day provides equity funding, with amounts ranging from ₹4.5Cr to ₹9Cr. - The SIT Innovators Hackathon 2026 by AIC T-Hub Foundation offers grants up to ₹1L. - The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 provides grants between ₹2.2L and ₹3.5L. - The Honda Innovation Challenge 1.0 - Honda & T-Hub offers grants up to ₹10L. - Orbit — AIC T-Hub SpaceTech Incubation Program provides grants, with varying amounts.

Nodal agency of the Government of Uttar Pradesh for IT and electronics promotion, managing the StartinUP portal for startup registration, incubation, and incentive disbursement statewide.

The Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, is a government body. It serves as the primary department for executing the Bihar Startup Policy 2022. This department extends support to startups through grants, co-working spaces, and matching funds. Under the Bihar Startup Policy 2022, it administers programs such as: - The Bihar Startup Policy 2022 Seed Grant for Validation-Stage Startups, offering debt funding up to ₹10L. - The Bihar Startup Policy 2022: Success Fee Scheme, which provides varying subsidy amounts. - The Bihar Startup Policy 2022: Zero Patent Filing Cost Scheme, also offering subsidies with amounts that vary.

The central government of India, running Startup India, SISFS, and multiple ministry-level funding schemes for entrepreneurs.

Government of Maharashtra's nodal agency for boosting innovation-driven entrepreneurship, offering seed funds, startup recognition, and Maharashtra Startup Week programmes.

North Eastern Development Finance Corporation providing financial assistance, venture capital through NEVF, and microfinance to enterprises in India's eight northeastern states.

Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) is a government-backed innovation hub. It functions as Andhra Pradesh's flagship centre for innovation, operating through a hub-and-spoke model that spans six cities. More information is available on its website, https://rtih.co.in. RTIH primarily offers grant funding to support Indian startups. Key programs offered by RTIH include: - AI-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) Innovation Challenge: Provides grant funding up to ₹2 crore. - RTIH Catalyst Incubation Program Cohort 1: Offers grant funding up to ₹30 lakh. - AP-AER Mission Hackathon 1.0: Delivers grant funding, with amounts varying. - AP Build Grant — Build with AI: RTIH Startup Sprint: Supports startups with grant funding ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

Startup Karnataka is a Government initiative by the Government of Karnataka, accessible through its official website at https://eitbt.karnataka.gov.in/startup/public. It supports startups by providing funding. This initiative offers grants to eligible startups, with funding available up to ₹50 lakh. Startup Karnataka manages several grant programs: - ELEVATE Aspire 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant (Beyond Bengaluru) offers grants up to ₹50 lakh. - ELEVATE Unnati 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant for SC/ST Founders provides grants up to ₹50 lakh. - ELEVATE Shakti 2026 — Startup Karnataka Women-Led Grant offers grants up to ₹50 lakh. - ELEVATE 2026 — Startup Karnataka Grant-in-Aid Program provides grants up to ₹50 lakh.

Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) is a government initiative that functions as India's premier innovation network. It is specifically established to support emerging and deep technologies. The hub provides grant funding to Indian startups through its various programs. Its offerings include: - iAccelerate 4.0 – Tamil Nadu Hardware Accelerator for Prototype & Product Startups, which provides grants ranging from ₹7.5L to ₹15L. - iAccelerate Batch 2, offering grant funding of up to ₹40L.

The Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab is a government body. It serves as the nodal department for the Startup Punjab initiative. Its website is https://pbindustries.gov.in/startup/. This department operates through the Invest Punjab portal.

Government department under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers responsible for policy, planning, and regulation of India's pharmaceutical industry since 2008.

Autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology & Waste Management, Government of Goa, implementing innovation and science awards for Goan innovators.

Gujarat's state government supporting startups through the Startup Gujarat initiative, SSIP, seed funding, and incubation infrastructure.

Manipur's state government promoting startups through its Startup Manipur initiative with incubation and funding support.

Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub) is a government initiative that serves as a single-window incubation hub in Gujarat. It specifically supports student startups within the state.This organisation operates under the guidelines of the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) established by the Gujarat government. Further information can be found on its website, ihubgujarat.in.i-Hub provides grant funding to eligible ventures. It offers programs designed to foster student entrepreneurship, which include: - Samriddhi Acceleration Program 2.0 by i-Hub Gujarat x FundEnable - TattvaX Cohort 2

ICAR's RKVY-RAFTAAR agri-business incubator in Mumbai focused on cotton technology, nanocellulose, and agricultural innovation.

India's premier veterinary research institute in Bareilly running the world's first veterinary business incubator and R-ABI program.

RKVY-RAFTAAR knowledge partner of CCS NIAM incubating agri-startups across India.

Government of India's Rs 10,371 Cr national AI mission under MeitY, providing compute, startup financing, and skilling programs.

Government ministry promoting tribal welfare and entrepreneurship through scholarships, grants, and incubation programs.

RKVY-RAFTAAR agri-business incubator at Punjab Agricultural University — grants up to ₹25 lakhs for agri startups.

R-ABI (RKVY-RAFTAAR) is a government-backed network of agri-business incubators. It operates under the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, providing resources for agricultural innovation in India. More information is available at https://rkvy.nic.in/.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a government entity. It operates as a central government department. Through its official website, https://dbtindia.gov.in, DBT provides funding to Indian startups. This support primarily comes in the form of grants. DBT runs several programs designed to foster innovation. These include: - DBT-BIRAC Joint Call for Proposals on Bio AI for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing under BioE3 Policy: This program offers grant funding, with amounts that vary. - D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge: Startups can receive grant funding ranging from ₹1L to ₹25L through this initiative.

Central department backing livestock, dairy and animal-husbandry startups and infrastructure.

Karnataka's state government, powering India's startup capital via Elevate and KITS.

Maharashtra's state government supporting startups through its Startup Policy, seed funding, and incubation infrastructure across the state.

A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Central ministry driving India's food-processing sector via PMFME and PLISFPI schemes.

Central ministry running NTTM and the GREAT scheme providing grants up to INR 50 lakh to startups innovating in technical textiles for commercialisation.

India's apex rural & agricultural development bank, financing agri innovation since 1982.

India's premier policy think tank running the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with 72 incubation centres, tinkering labs, and innovation challenges to build the national startup ecosystem.

T-Works is a Government initiative from Telangana, operating as India's largest prototyping centre. Based in Hyderabad, it provides essential resources for startups. This organisation offers subsidised access to a range of advanced facilities. Startups can utilise services such as 3D printing, laser cutting, comprehensive testing labs, and specialised electronics facilities. Among its offerings, T-Works runs programs that provide financial support. One such program is ASTRA 1.0 (Advanced Solutions in Technology for Resilience & Autonomy), which offers grant funding with varying amounts.

India's first state-led incubator exclusively for women entrepreneurs, backed by the Government of Telangana.

Maharashtra government initiative integrating AI and frontier digital technologies across the agricultural value chain, backed by the World Bank and Wadhwani AI.

MeitY-NASSCOM deep-tech innovation hub providing incubation, acceleration, and lab access for AI, IoT, and data science startups across India.

Atal Incubation Centre supporting early-stage startups in Gujarat under AIM, NITI Aayog.

India's apex research body established by Parliament in 2023, operationalizing a Rs 1 lakh crore R&D fund for deep-tech and high-impact projects.

Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation — an intergovernmental non-profit funding forest-landscape restoration, biodiversity and capacity-building projects across its member economies, including India.

Premier life sciences incubation centre in Bangalore jointly established by the Government of Karnataka and DBT, supporting MedTech, agri-biotech, and healthcare startups.

Life sciences incubation centre in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, established by the Government of Telangana, DBT, and CSIR-IICT to support early-stage biotech startups.

India's premier R&D organization under MeitY focused on advanced computing, AI, cybersecurity, and electronics, with presence across 11 cities nationwide.

ICAR's Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture in Chennai, serving as the nodal agency for brackishwater aquaculture development in India since 1987.

India's government-owned defence companies running the DRISHTI Challenges to integrate startup innovations into military systems

Autonomous regulatory body for environmental pollution monitoring, control, and mitigation in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, established in 1991.

Tamil Nadu government department funding agri-tech startups with grants up to Rs 25 lakh for agricultural innovation

Government department under the Ministry of Jal Shakti driving Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen for universal rural water and sanitation coverage.

The Department of Innovation, Incubation and Start-ups, Government of Assam is a government department. It serves as Assam's nodal state department, driving the state's Startup & Innovation Policy and providing MASI recognition for startups based in Assam. This department offers funding support to Indian startups. Its programs include the Assam Scale-Up Grant, which provides up to ₹50L to MASI-recognised startups.

Apex government body under the Ministry of Communications responsible for telecom policy, spectrum management, and licensing of telecom services across India.

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, promoting indigenous technology development, industrial R&D, and SME innovation.

Singapore government agency running SLINGSHOT, Asia's flagship deep tech startup pitching competition at SWITCH.

The EU's flagship innovation funder backing high-risk, high-impact deep-tech start-ups and SMEs.

French-government-backed fund (hosted by AFD, chaired by Nobel laureate Esther Duflo) financing rigorously-evaluated innovations that reduce poverty and inequality in developing countries.

Chhattisgarh's state government, nurturing startups through its Startup Policy and 36inc.

Tamil Nadu's state government, backing startups statewide through StartupTN.

Telangana's state government, home to T-Hub, WE-Hub and the TSIC innovation network.

Uttar Pradesh's state government, building a vast state startup base via the UP Startup Policy.

Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem providing funding, housing, and market access to startups expanding into the UAE and MENA.

India's national AI mission under MeitY, funding AI startups, datasets, and compute access across sectors.

India's apex biomedical research body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; runs Grand Challenge calls (often with global partners like the Gates Foundation) funding health and nutrition innovation.

Catalyst body supercharging Punjab's entrepreneurial ecosystem via capital and policy

Nodal agency of the J&K government for entrepreneurship development, seed funding and startup support in Jammu & Kashmir

Government of Karnataka body driving IT/ITeS and digital economy growth beyond Bengaluru, running district-level startup challenges via KDEM Beyond Bengaluru.

J&K government department providing seed capital, soft loans, and self-employment schemes to educated unemployed youth for setting up enterprises in the UT.

NABARD + TNAU joint agri-incubator in Madurai — 535+ startups supported, grants up to ₹25 lakhs.

India's largest electronic hardware incubator in Kochi, a MeitY and Kerala government initiative with 60,000 sq ft of labs, prototyping facilities, and SMT lines.

India's nodal ministry for agricultural policy, schemes, and startup funding across the farm value chain.

Central government ministry running iDEX programmes (SPARK, iDEX Prime, ADITI) providing defence and aerospace startups with grants ranging from INR 1.5 crore to INR 25 crore.

Central ministry running S&T-PRISM to financially support startups and MSMEs in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, and recycling with two-year research funding.

India's nodal ministry for solar, wind and renewable energy policy and incentives.

India's nodal ministry for SC/ST and OBC welfare, running startup and skilling grants for underrepresented communities.

NaaViC, ICAR-NIVEDI is a government-backed incubator dedicated to fostering startups in the veterinary and animal science sectors. Operating from Bengaluru, this provider receives support from RKVY-RAFTAAR and DST. It offers funding opportunities for Indian startups. One key initiative is the NUZEN Agri-Startup Grant for Student Innovators – NaaViC (ICAR-NIVEDI), which provides grants of up to ₹4L.

MeitY-backed nasscom Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI (with Govt. of Karnataka, Haryana and Gujarat) matching deep-tech startups to real industry problem statements for paid PoC and scale-up opportunities.

Government-owned trustee company managing India's credit guarantee funds, including the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups.

Design-based incubator at NID Ahmedabad — creating designpreneurs since 2005.

Autonomous government body driving Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), offering APIs, sandboxes, and the Digital Health Incentive Scheme to healthtech startups.

India's highway infrastructure authority that runs innovation challenges for smart road and mobility startups.

Deemed-to-be-University under India's Ministry of Education; runs a rolling Grant-in-Aid Scheme funding research and capacity-building in educational planning and administration.

Government mission under the Ministry of Textiles with INR 1,480 crore outlay to boost technical textiles research, startup grants, export promotion, and skill development.

MeitY-backed STPI deep tech & AI Centre of Entrepreneurship incubating AgriTech, HealthTech and mining startups in Nagpur.

STPI's Centre of Excellence in Aizawl, Mizoram, nurturing gaming and entertainment startups in the Northeast.

India's principal development financial institution for promoting, financing and developing the MSME sector.

STPI AgriTech Centre of Entrepreneurship in Bhilai building an innovation ecosystem for Chhattisgarh's farmers.

Nodal agency under the MSME Department of the Government of Odisha, building the state's startup ecosystem through incubation subsidies, monthly founder allowances, and product development grants.

STPI's government-backed CoE in Bengaluru incubating startups that use Industry 4.0 tech to boost efficiency across industry, services, and government.

Taiwan's flagship international accelerator connecting global startups to Taiwan's AIoT, SpaceTech, and hardware supply chains.

The Technology Development Board (TDB) is an Indian government statutory body. It functions under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). TDB provides financial assistance to support technology startups and commercialise indigenous technology. This support is offered through both loans and equity. Among its initiatives is the "Technology Development Board (TDB) India-Finland Joint Innovation Call 2026". This program offers grants of up to ₹2.5 crore.

The United Kingdom government collaborates with India on startup innovation through Innovate UK, the UK-India Startup Launchpad, and jointly funded R&D programs worth over 330 million pounds.

The UN Refugee Agency; its Innovation Service runs the Innovation Accelerator, providing catalytic funding and scaling support to tested innovations serving refugee, displaced and stateless communities.

Andhra Pradesh government department established in 1987 to formulate and implement policies for women and children, overseeing welfare schemes and empowerment programs across the state.